Chennai, 21st October 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched an industry-oriented finishing school to equip young graduates with practical skills and professional competencies required by the biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors.
‘UDYOG’ (Upskilling and Development for YOung Graduates) aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements through a structured training pathway. It combines online courses, intensive laboratory training, pilot-scale exposure and opportunities for industry internships.
The first batch of the Finishing School is scheduled to commence on 18th January 2027, and the early-bird registration closes on 15th December 2026. Interested students can submit an expression of interest through – https://code.iitm.ac.in/
The initiative is expected to support workforce development and contribute to India’s ambitions to strengthen its bioeconomy through innovation, advanced manufacturing capabilities and specialised skills.
The programme is intended for pre-final-year and final-year students, who are pursuing B.Tech., M.Tech. and M.Sc. degrees in biotechnology and allied disciplines, across all colleges and institutes in India.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, inaugurated ‘IITM-Biofoundry Finishing School – UDYOG’ at the campus today (21st Oct 2026) in the presence of faculty, students, researchers and industry stakeholders.
It is being launched through SynBioME – the IIT Madras-TICEL Biofoundry, which focuses on advancing biotechnology research, innovation, biomanufacturing and skill development. It is coordinated by Prof. Guhan Jayaraman, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, who serves as the Principal Coordinator.
Addressing the launch event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “AI also means Academia-Industry. It is becoming an absolute necessity that every discipline of Science and Engineering must look at this AI with care to make themselves relevant to the modern world. UDYOG is yet another effort taken by IIT Madras in this direction.”
Further, Prof. Guhan Jayaraman, Principal Coordinator, SynBioME and faculty Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, added, “India’s biotechnology and biopharmaceutical sectors are expanding at a rapid place. This is leading to a growing demand for professionals with practical expertise in industrial processes, analytical techniques, process development and regulatory practices. UDYOG seeks to address this demand by complementing academic knowledge with industry-relevant training and exposure to real-world biomanufacturing practices.”
Further, Mr. Chella Pandian Pitchai, Biocon – AVP & Global Head DEI | Culture, Values and Belongingness | Youth and Women Development, said, “Best wishes on the launch of the IITM-BioFoundry Finishing School. Science and biotechnology hold immense promise for the future, and empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence to contribute is vital. Preparing them to make a difference takes more than classroom learning; industry exposure through internships and mentorship can help build their readiness to turn knowledge into meaningful impact. I’m excited to see how the next generation of biotechnology talent will drive positive change and take the field to the next level.”
THREE-STAGE TRAINING
The finishing school will follow a three-stage training pathway. The first stage comprises three months of online learning delivered through Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras, supplemented by lectures from industry experts and demonstration videos illustrating industrial practices.
Participants who successfully complete the online component will be considered for selection to four-week intensive hands-on training program at the IIT Madras Biofoundry. The practical component is designed to provide exposure to laboratory processes and biomanufacturing workflows.
Following the hands-on training, selected participants may have opportunities to engage with industry partners and participate in interviews for long-term internships, providing a potential pathway from academic learning to workplace experience.
